As of July 23, there is a complete halt in ship arrivals at Ukrainian ports. Despite this sharp change in the logistics landscape, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of the country assures that there is currently no talk of a total blockade of sea exports.
Minister Taras Vysotsky made this statement while speaking to journalists. According to him, the reason for the suspension of shipping is the constant Russian attacks on the Black Sea area. However, the minister emphasized a key nuance: the decision to stop entering ports was made by the shipowners themselves, not by state regulators. Kyiv has not imposed any official restrictions on ship entry.
Situation dynamics and forecasts
The Cabinet of Ministers is already looking for ways to restore shipping as quickly as possible. Vysotsky noted that the situation is extremely dynamic, and it is difficult to predict the duration of the current pause. At the same time, he urged not to panic, explaining that export indicators should be evaluated on a monthly, not daily, horizon.
"One day or even a week without shipments will not affect annual volumes. A real impact will occur if such a situation continues for several months," the minister emphasized.
Strategy for farmers: do not sell in a panic
In connection with the temporary paralysis of seaports, Vysotsky gave recommendations to grain producers. He advised not to rush to sell the harvest if possible. According to the minister, the market's first reaction to news of port blockades is panic, which instantly crashes prices.
"Of course, I am not calling on everyone to completely stop sales. There is domestic consumption, and exports are working through other routes," Vysotsky noted.
He added that some farmers can indeed wait a few days or weeks until the situation at sea improves to avoid losses from falling prices.
Context: escalation in the Black Sea
The decision by shipowners to suspend arrivals at Ukrainian ports was a reaction to a series of incidents. Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that on the night of July 22, Russia attacked the bulk carrier Golden Rose in the Black Sea.
At the same time, it became known that the major logistics operator Maersk is temporarily suspending service through the Black Sea Fishery Port. Against the backdrop of these events, Ukraine is also urgently convening a UN Security Council meeting to discuss threats to maritime trade.
